1.   Yud-Beis Tammuz is the day of liberation of the Previous Rebbe and it is also his birthday. This year is the 107th year since his birth. Psalm 107 speaks of the need to give thanks and praise G‑d after being redeemed from trouble. Being Shabbos, the joy and delight of the day is increased. As messengers of the Previous Rebbe we must spread Yiddishkeit to all types of Jews. Chukas and Balak symbolize different types of Jews. A call to establish Chabad Houses in every locality.

2.   Why does Rashi wait for the portion of Chukas to tell us why Mt. Sinai was not leveled by the “cloud of glory”? Why does Rashi mention R. Abuhu in explaining what occurred when Aharon died? Mt. Sinai had to remain high because it was a “mountain of G‑d.” Rashi mentions R. Abuhu who was especially well-versed in Scripture and Aggadah to convince us that the homiletic translation is closest to the plain meaning of the verse.

3.   In teaching us the good attributes of Avraham vis-à-vis the evil attributes of Bilaam the Mishnah elaborates, to stress that these character traits will be rewarded even without action. On the other hand in telling us to emulate Aharon the Kohen, the Mishnah speaks of action.

4.   Rambam rules that an ignorant person is trusted on Shabbos because of the “awe of Shabbos” and the “honor of Shabbos.” However, when Shabbos is over the produce must be tithed. Study the laws of the Beis HaMikdash from the 17th of Tammuz until the 9th of Av.